in 2019-2020 The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) conducted research on the water resources of Norfolk Island. The following information is summarised from its website.
Since the 1970s there has been a notable reduction in rainfall over Norfolk Island. This has been most obvious during spring where 23 of the last 25 years (prior to 2019) have seen rainfall below the long-term mean. Climate models project that Norfolk Island’s winter and spring will continue to be drier in the future. Norfolk Islanders have endured numerous dry periods in the past but there is now strong evidence that the frequency and severity of dry periods have been and will continue to increase. Annual and seasonal temperatures for Norfolk Island are also projected to increase into the future. Seemingly small long-term reductions in rainfall can result in large reductions in groundwater recharge and runoff.
In southern Australia similar trends have resulted in significant challenges to water management authorities, in many cases requiring upgrades to water storage and supply infrastructure in order to reliably meet current and future projected demands.
While the effects of water stress can be wide and far-reaching, the consequences of completely running out of water could be catastrophic in a community as remote as Norfolk Island. By arming ourselves with knowledge it is possible to better manage risk and minimise harmful future impacts.
The information provided by this assessment can be used to help inform the Norfolk Island community. Norfolk Island Regional Council and Emergency Management Norfolk Island make decisions on how to further their resilience under a changing climate and anticipated extended dry spells, and how the Australian Government can best support these efforts.
Importantly, CSIRO provides scientific input but does not advocate for a particular approach. Nor does CSIRO seek to replace any planning processes, or recommended changes to existing plans or processes, or put any pressure on residents to monitor and manage their own water stores.
Following the completion of the Norfolk Island Water Resource Assessment in 2020 the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts commissioned CSIRO to extend their baseline hydrological monitoring on Norfolk Island. In response to interest from the Norfolk Island Water Resource Assessment Steering Committee, CSIRO was commissioned to undertake an assessment of the potential for Norfolk Island Pine trees to intercept cloud water and also to extend their woody weed mapping. These two studies were completed in June 2023.
(Note: hotlinks to the PDF reports are not yet activated. Check the CSIRO website directly or return here later in January 2024).